If you’re on the hunt for root only apps, or looking for something that was taken down from the Android Market due to carrier or company complaints, you’re pretty much on your own. You could always check forums and other file sharing sites, but wouldn’t it be nice if there was some sort of go-to root only app store for modded Android devices? The folks behind CyanogenMod think so, and there might just be one on the way.

Koushik Dutta, CyanogenMod team member and the developer behind apps like ROM Manager, has taken to Google+ to ask if members of the Android community would be interested in a CyanogenMod App Store.

I've been bouncing this idea around for a while now, and it seems like an even better idea now, given my recent brush with this problem: we need an App Store for root apps. We also need an app store for apps that are getting shut down for no good reason, other than carrier, or some random corporation doesn't like it.Koushik DuttaCyanogenMod

Essentially, we’re looking at Cydia for Android. A standardized app store that specializes in root only and banned apps, that would be available to use in any ROM.

Dutta has already talked with Amazon about bundling it with their app store, but they aren’t interested in participating at this time. So CyanogenMod may tackle the task alone.

Personally, I’m all for this. Not only would it be much easier to find tweaks and mods for rooted Android devices, but it would help keep the Android community’s most active user base funded. A portion of the profits from app sales out of the CyanogenMod App Store would go to funding the development behind the ROM, as their unique user install base has grown past one million and become rather costly to maintain.

To voice your opinion, and help get the word out, check out the original post on Google+.

It’s not a black market like we would imagine it. I would love to be able to install some IP-banned app (I can’t install Google Voice, for example). Talk about buying/supporting my favourite apps! Stop teasing and release CM9 so we can all again enjoy the latest Android release at its full power :) Only if it’s stable enough!

This would be awesome! A centralized market for these apps would do well. I’m all for giving Cyanogenmod some sustainability. They give so much. This might also give people even more incentive to root their phone.

I think it’d be great if it doesn’t turn out just like Cydia and everything that is worth a damn is $5+. I’m all for supporting devs but I don’t wanna spend that much on an app that I’m not gonna use all the time.

Personally, I’d be MUCH more willing to pay for quality, root apps on an appstore like this than I would be willing to pay for root apps through the regular Market where the app could be shut down at any time.

I am currently using a near fully polished build of CM9 (Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich). I am on a Galaxy S Fascinate (one of the several original Galaxy S phones). I would definitely want a CM market, it would be great.

I hope this happens. With the clout that Cyanogen has, it seems very doable. It would be nice to not have to search forums and what not for a ‘banned’ app. It would be great to be able to get it from a secure location without the fear of whatever could be attached to said apk.

Can anyone say Emulators. I love being able to play Super Mario RPG on my tablet, it made my trip to Spain much more enjoyable. I could see the iPad user looking at me gaming in jealousy. = )

This a great idea and one that would create more space for rooted devices to buy and install apps as well as a great place for those apps that were denied by the Google. CyanogenMod is headed in the right direction, not that they ever were in the wrong direction.

I’m totally 4 this, it would give the power users back their ability to decide what they want on there phone as opposed to major companies or corporations dictating what’s to be allowed in market and on a device which we rightfully purchased with our own hard earned money. I’m honestly beginning to feel like this with me your phone companies, give me a day to give me minutes I’ll handle every other aspect myself

I hope to see this. Would be nice to have everything all in one place. Maybe they could provide versions of the apps to devices which aren’t officially supported such as giving a download location for users of the fire for sideloading without having to get it on your phone and exporting out.